America's Public Lands:Too Special to Sell Off6 Reasons to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands

Our public lands are part of the American identity – they sustain fish and wildlife, and provide outdoor recreation and clean air and water. Your national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands are under attack. During the past several years, a small group of legislators and land grabbers have been trying to hand your land over to states or private interests. Across the country, public lands supporters have joined the fight to protect and defend our American birthright - and we are winning. We must ask Congress for help.

1

Part of our American Identity

Our public lands have a long and rich history in the United States dating back to 1872. These cherished lands provide habitat for fish and wildlife and enjoyment for all Americans. You may be surprised to learn how many of your favorite outdoor destinations are part of our public lands system.

2

Under Attack

Despite overwhelming support, there is a long history of efforts to dismantle the public lands system by transferring public lands out of American ownership to state or private interests. Decades have passed between movements, but the motivations have been the same: privatization and profit from exploitation.

3

Not For Sale

Americans don’t want to see public lands seized and sold to the highest bidder. No buzz words, rhetoric, or public relations spin can change the basic facts: Selling or transferring America’s public lands just won’t work.

4

The Places Fish & Wildlife Call Home

Public lands provide critical habitat for America’s brilliant array of wildlife that cannot be found elsewhere. These lands are vital for the survival of our nation’s fish and wildlife. Pronghorn are one of many species whose survival depends on the existence public lands. Herds of pronghorn embark on the second longest land migration in North America every year.

5

Our Outdoor Heritage

Public lands are not just vital for wildlife: Family albums are filled with images of camping trips in national parks, a father teaching a son to fish in a national forest, or a school trip to a national monument. These lands provide an important economic engine, and the fight for public lands is also a fight for our continued cherished memories.

6

This Land is Your Land

Together we are the owners of millions of acres of lands that make up our national parks, wildlife refuges, monuments and vast wild and working lands across the country. Extremists in Congress and state legislatures are trying to serve the American public an eviction notice and sell our public lands to the highest bidders. What happens next is up to us -take the pledge and keep public lands public!